Dancing on the Razor's Edge
As the snowflakes descend in the Italian Alps and the skates are sharpened in Milan, I watch the screen with a very different perspective than the average sports fan. Of course, the speed of the short trackers is impressive and the jumps of the snowboarders make my heart beat faster, but for a dancer there is only one true highlight during these 2026 Winter Olympics: figure skating, and specifically the rhythmic dance.
In my more than thirty years in the dance world, I have seen thousands of choreographies, from the smallest salsa clubs in the Caribbean to the large stages in Europe. But there remains something magical about dancing on ice. It is the ultimate combination of athletic ability and artistic expression. This weekend in Milan, the rhythmic dance was on the program, a segment that is actually the most recognizable for us as dancers.
The Magic of the Rhythmic Dance in Milan
Last night, around half past nine, the time had come. The NOS livestreams were red hot for the rhythmic dance in figure skating. For those who don't know: in ice dancing you have two segments. The rhythmic dance (formerly the short program) and the free dance. What makes the rhythmic dance so interesting is that the International Skating Union (ISU) chooses a specific theme and a mandatory rhythm every year. This forces the pairs to show their creativity within strict frameworks.
In Milan this year, we saw a focus on rhythms that we know all too well in the ballroom and latin world. The technique these athletes use to control their 'edges' (the edges of their skates) while telling an emotional story is truly unprecedented. In a live report from the NOS, we saw how the tension in the Mediolanum Forum in Milan was palpable. It's not just about the technique; it's about the connection between the two partners.
The link between the dance floor and the ice
People sometimes ask me: "Vanessa, what does figure skating have to do with salsa or ballroom?" My answer is always the same: everything. The basis of movement remains the same. It's about your axis, your posture, the way you shift your weight, and how you communicate with your partner without using words. At Miss Salsa, we always emphasize that connection, and on the ice, you see it in its most extreme form.
When a pair performs a 'twizzle' – those lightning-fast turns on one leg that must be synchronized – it is essentially a technical feat that we also know on the dance floor, but without the friction of the floor. The smallest deviation in the angle of your shoulder or the direction of your gaze can cause you to fly out of the turn. That is the precision that I still watch with an open mouth after thirty years.
What we can learn from the Olympic athletes
What strikes me this year in Milan is the enormous emphasis on storytelling. The technical score is important, but the 'presentation score' often makes the difference between silver and gold. This is a valuable lesson for every dancer in the Netherlands. Whether you are a beginner just taking your first steps or an advanced dancer training for competitions: technique is only the vehicle. Emotion is the fuel.
I still remember the Games from years ago, where the choreographies were often still somewhat static. Nowadays, they attract choreographers from the modern dance and hip-hop world to create the programs. You can see that in the fluid movements and the daring music choices. It's no longer just classical music; we hear beats, jazz, and even world music influences on the ice.
The reality of the sport: falling and getting back up
Of course, it's not all glitter and glamour. The Olympic Games also show the harsh side of the sport. While we enjoyed the dance, we also saw disappointment in other arenas. For instance, there was the sad departure of Lindsey Vonn and the elimination of the Dutch snowboarder Dekker. This reminds us how fragile a sports career is.
In the dance world, we know that too. An injury can suddenly throw a wrench in the works. But the resilience these athletes show is inspiring. It's not about how often you fall, but how you get back up and finish your program with a smile. That is the true spirit of the Games.
Concretely: How do you follow the dance events?
Do you want to follow the dance performances in Milan yourself over the coming days? The NOS has extensive livestreams where you can often choose commentary from experts like Maarten Tip. Figure skating takes place mainly in the evening hours, which is perfect for relaxing on the couch after your own training.
- Rhythmic dance: The first results are trickling in now and the top favorites are bracing themselves for the free dance.
- Free dance: This is where the real creativity emerges. No more mandatory patterns, but complete artistic freedom.
- Location: Everything takes place in bustling Milan, while the skiing events are set more in the mountains of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
The beauty of these times is that we can follow everything live. You no longer have to miss any of the foot placements or the facial expressions of the skaters. For me as a viewer, it is a constant source of inspiration for new choreographies and movement patterns.
My advice for dance lovers
In these days, don't just look at the scores. Pay attention to the way the pairs use their arms to fill the space. Watch how they use their speed to create a dramatic effect. There is so much information in those few minutes on the ice that we on the wooden floor can benefit from. That is the power of the Olympic spirit: transcending your own limits and learning from the very best, in whatever discipline.
In any case, I will stay glued to the livestreams over the coming days. The passion that radiates from the ice in Milan reminds me once again why I fell in love with the world of dance thirty years ago. It is a language that everyone understands, whether you are on skates or in dance shoes.